About
John Kurth Obituary
John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Debbie; children, Krista (Patrick), Lisa (Joel), Teresa (Kyle); grandchildren, Ian, Connor, Mia, Oliver, Jon Carlo, Guenther; sibling, Christopher (Carla); and many other family members and friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, Guenther and Diana; and sibling, Corinna.
John was born in St. Louis, Missouri. The avid Cardinals fan received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Elmhurst College (now known as Elmhurst University) and his Masters of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He worked for over 30 years as a special education teacher, retiring from Kirk School (Palatine, Illinois) in 2009. After his retirement he was a volunteer hospital magician with Open Heart Magic (OHM) and performed bedside magic for ill children. He was also actively involved as a board member of the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) Foundation.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Saturday, Oct 11; specifics are yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in John's name may be made to Open Heart Magic (www.openheartmagic.org/legacy-and-memorial-gifts/), the NSSEO Foundation (www.nsseo.revtrak.net) or Elmhurst University (www.elmhurst.edu/give).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Roy Trost-Rekich
Yesterday
Prayers of comfort to the entire Kurth family, John was so impactful to me being new teacher who took over in his room 227, he was so kind to me, a true mentor at Kirk School! Such an impact-thank you John-role model as teacher, father, husband, and friend!!!
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Dave Hahn
September 20, 2025
My deepest condolences to Debbie, Krista, Lisa, and Teresa. John was a special person who taught me many important lessons. It was a honor and privilege to have known him for over forty years. Death is never easy but earth shattering, however the times we shared were marvelous. Thanks, John for being John. I´ll forever remember and miss you.
Dave
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